Dual supply tape dispensing machine

ABSTRACT

A tape dispensing machine adapted to selectively dispense a tape, as a tape of trading stamps, from a first tape supply or a second tape supply. First and second tape drive wheel means are rotatably mounted on an axle in proximity to a first and second tape supply. A shift assembly is operative to selectively move a clutch means between the first and second stamp drive wheel means. Manual drive means including finger controlled means for preselecting the quantity of stamps to be dispensed is drivably associated with either the first or second drive wheel means through the clutch means.

United States Patent 7 [1 1 [111 3,797,697

Arp 1 Mar. 19, 1974 DUAL SUPPLY TAPE DISPENSING MACHINE Primary Examiner-Stanley H. Tollberg [75] Inventor: Ewald A. Arp, Hopkins, Minn. [731 Assignees: W. G; Larson, Edma; Sheldon l1 [5 7] I ABSTRACT 'Moody, Bloomington,both of A tape dispensing machine adapted to selectively dis- N, W pense a tape, as a tape of trading stamps, from a first [22] Filed: No 179 1972 tape supply or a second tape supply. First and second tape drive wheel means are rotatably mounted on an axle in proximity to a first and second tape supply. A

[21] Appl. No.: 307,701

' shift assembly is operative to selectively move a clutch [52] us CL I 221/13 means between the first and second stamp drive wheel [51] In Cl B65h 35/ means. Manual drive means including finger con- [58] Fie'ld 7 4 13 71 trolled means for preselecting the quantity of stamps 22l/127 7 83/242 243 to be dispensed is drivably associated with either the first or second drive wheel means through the clutch 56'] References Cited means UNITED STATES PATENTS 15 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures 3.130.887 4/1964 Campbell et al 83/242 X PAIENTEUIARIQ 1914 3791697 SHEEI 5 OF 8 1 DUAL SUPPLY TAPE DISPENSING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

In the field of retail merchandising, trading stamps given to customers by merchants in response to purchases are commonly dispensed from machines in linear tapes. See U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,358,880 to Walker and No. 3,010,629 to Lindstrom et al., In such machines, it is desirable to have two separate stamp supplies for dispensing stamps of different denominations. See U. S. Pat. No. 3,229,880 to Arp. For example, a first supply may contain trading stamps given in response to I units of a purchase, while a second supply may contain stamps given in response to $1.00 units of a purchase. Stamps of the second supply may be stamps of a larger denomination or a sheet consisting of ten of the stamps of the type in the first supply.

'Stamp machines of theprior art commonly employ electric motors and have separate means for preselecting the amount of stamps and separate drive mechanismsfor dispensing stamps from the separate supplies. As a practical matter, this results in having to supply essentially two complete dispensers in a single case of twice the size of one dispenser. At a super-market checkout counter, for example, the room for such a bulky machine is difficult to locate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The invention relates to a machine for dispensing tape from a first tape supply or a second tape supply. The first and second tape supplies are stored in storage means. First and second dispensing means deliver tape from the first and second supply, respectively, and deliver it to a dispensing station. Clutch means selectively associates the drive means with either the first or second dispensing means to the exclusion of the other.

In a preferred embodiment, a single finger dial provides manual drive means operable to rotate the axle means. First and second drive wheel means are rotatably mounted on the axle means adapted to linearly draw stamps from the stamp supplies. Drive means comprised of the finger dial and a gear train rotate the axle means. Clutch means located on the axle means are operative to engage either the first drive wheel means or the second drive wheel means to rotate the selected drive wheel means on the axle means and draw stamps from the selected stamp supply. Shift means are provided to shift the clutch means between the first drive wheel means and the second drive wheel means.

In the preferred embodiment, the clutch means is normally engaged with the first drive wheel means. The shift means is operative to shift the clutch means from the first wheel means to the second drive wheel means, and automatically return it to engagement with the first drive wheel means upon completion of delivery of stamps from the second stamp supply. Means are provided to prevent rotation of one drive wheel means while the other is in engagement with the clutch means and operative to dispense stamps.

An object of the invention is to provide a stamp dispensing machine operative to selectively dispense stamps from either a first or a second stamp supply. A second object is to provide such a machine having a single drive means and a single means to preselect the amount of stamps to be dispensed. A further object is to provide such a machine having a shift means operable to shift a clutch means between engagement with a first drive wheel means and a second drive wheel means on an axle means rotatable by the drive means. Further objects of the invention will become apparent upon the following description.

IN THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the stamp dispensing machine of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the stamp dispensing machine;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the stamp dispensing machine taken along the line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the stamp dispensing machine taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the stamp dispensing ma chine taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a portion of the stamp dispensing machine as shown in FIG. 4 having a shift mechanism engaging a second drive wheel means;

FIG. 6A is a sectional view taken along the line 6A-6A of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the stamp dispensing machine taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the stamp dispensing machine as shown in FIG. 7. illustrating a section of the shift mechanism in a disengaged position;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 99 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the portion of the stamp dispensing machine seen in FIG. 8 but illustrating a section of the shift mechanism in an engaged position;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line ll-ll of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a portion of the stamp dispensing machine showing a pawl release actuator plate and the shift release actuator mechanism taken along the line l212 of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line l3l3 of FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a stamp dispensing machine of the invention, indicated generally at 10, having a removable housing 11 for access to the interior thereof, and a casing 12 of molded plastic or the like. Stamp dispensing machine 10 is adapted to selectively dispense stamps, tape, or the like, from either one of two separate supplies, as for example, a supply of 10 trading stamps and a supply of $1.00 trading stamps. To that end, the stamp dispensing machine 10 is provided generally with two cooperating assemblies constituted as a stamp drive and dispensing assembly to dispense stamps from the selected supply, and a shift assembly operative to transfer the attention of the dispensing assembly from one supply to the other.

v STAMP DRIVE AND DISPENSING ASSEMBLY The stamp drive and dispensing assembly has generally three cooperating sub-assemblies including a stamp index and manual power assembly; dispensing assembly; and a drive train to transfer power to the dispensing assembly. As shown best in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7, the index and power assembly includes a circular finger dial 15, a wobble or pawl release actuator plate as and an index plate 17. Finger dial '15 is rotatably mounted in a suitable recess on a front face 14 of casing 12 having a dial axle tube 19 force fitted in a central tubular member 20 on dial 15. The dial axle tube 19 extends downwardly through a bearing shaft 21 provided in casing 12. Wobble plate 16 is mounted about tubular member 20 of finger dial and is longitudinally or axially movable thereon. Wobble plate 16 is prevented from rotation by an extended section 23, as shown in FIG. 12, having a notch engaging a peg 24 provided on an intermediate face 26 of casing 12. Wobble plate 16 has an annular peripheral flange 25 extended about its circumference uninterrupted except for a detent 27 occurring at the lower portion thereof. Index plate 17 is located below wobble plate 16 and is mounted about the tubular member of finger dial 15 for rotation therewith.

A movement transfer spacer 28 is located about the tubular member 20. Spacer 28 has an upper ring or plate 29 in surface contact with the undersurface of wobble plate 16, and a plurality of bars 31 extending from the upper ring 29 through holes provided in the index plate, connecting with a lower ring or plate 33. Lower ring 33 of spacer 28 is in surface contact with a pawl selector plate 34 as will be more fully described. Spacer 28, it may be seen, is adapted to transfer longitudinal movement (in the direction of the axis of tubular member 20) from wobble plate 16 to pawl selector plate 34 while index plate 17 remains stationary.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, finger dial 15 has a plurality of equally spaced finger buttons 35. Provided on the front face 14 of casing 12 surrounding the finger dial 15 is a raised circular shoulder 37 sequentially displaying the numbers 1 through 10 in counter-clockwise order. One of the buttons is located proximate to each number with an 1 1th button located adjacent a blank space and disposed over the detent 27 of wobble plate 16.

Each button 35 is housed in a button casing 38 provided on dial plate 15 as shown in FIG. 3. Each button has a head 39, a shaft 41 connected to the head and extending downward through an opening in the button casing 38, and a cap 42 engaging the end of the shaft 41, whereby the button is securely held in casing 38. The button 35 is movable back and forth in a direction parallel to the axis of the shaft 41. A helical spring 43 disposed about the shaft 41 and bearing against head 39 and casing 38, is effective to bias the button in an upward position. The cap 42 of each button 35 is in surface engagement with the flange 25 of wobble plate 16, the exception being the button 'disposed over the detent 27. Depression of a button 35 against the bias of spring 43 occasions depression of wobble plate 16, which movement is transferred to the spacer 28 and pawl selector plate 34. As the dial 15 is rotated counter-clockwise with a button 35 depressed, the cap 42 of the button slides along flange 25 of wobble plate 16, maintaining it depressed, until detent 27 is reached, whereupon the cap is disengaged from the flange and the wobble plate 17 is returned to its normal position by bias means yet to be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the stamp dispensing assembly includes a main axle 45 horizontally and rotatably mounted between side walls 46 of casing 12 in appropriate bearings 48. A gear train comprised of a spur gear and a spur and bevel gear is adapted to rotate the main axle 45 in response to rotation of the dial 15. Adjacent one end of main axle 45, as shown in FIG. 4, is

secured a spur gear 47 held in position by a collar 49. The spur gear portion of a spur and bevel gear 50 meshes with the spur gear 47. Spur and bevel gear 50 is rotatably mounted on a pin 51 secured in a shaft 53 attached to a casing side wall 46. The lower portion of index plate 17 is provided with a bevel gear 54 disposed along the outer periphery thereof as shown in FIG. 4. Bevel gear 54 on index plate 17 meshes with the bevel gear portion of spur and bevel gear 50 through an opening 56 provided in the intermediate face 26 of casing 12. Thus rotation of the index plate 17, as by rotation of finger dial 15, translates into rotation of the main axle 45 through the gear train, as described.

The stamp dispensing assembly includes main axle 45 and a pair of pin wheel banks constituted as a first pin wheel bank 58 and a second pin wheel bank 59, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. First pin wheel bank 58 includes an array of pin wheels 60, shown to be six, securely mounted on a tubular shaft 62 having an end cap 63. Shaft 62 is rotatably mounted on main axle 45. Likewise, second pin wheel bank 59 includes an array of pin wheels 64, shown to be two, mounted on a tubular shaft 66 having an end cap 67. Shaft 66 is also rotatably mounted on main axle 45. Each pin wheel 60, 64 includes a shoulder 68 fixedly engaging a respective shaft 62, 66, and a circular integral disc 70 having a plurality of short pins 71 equally spaced disposed around the periphery of the disc 70 extending radially outward therefrom.

A first index wheel 72 is associated with the first pin wheel bank 58 fixedly mounted on the shaft 62 at the interior end thereof. Likewise, a second index wheel 74 is associated with the second pin wheel bank 59 fixedly mounted to the shaft 66 at the interior end thereof. Each of the index wheels has associated with it a pawl, a first pawl 75 associated with the first index wheel 72, and a second pawl 76 associated with the second index wheel 74.

As shown in FIG. 5, a second pawl 76 is pivotally mounted on a portion of casing 12 as at 78, having a body portion 80 and an extended arm 81. Second index wheel 74 is equipped with a plurality of teeth 82 equally'spaced apart about the periphery. The end of pawl arm 81 is provided with a transverse pawl latch member 84 engageable with the teeth 82 on the index wheel 74. Rotation of index wheel 74 and the corresponding pin wheel bank 59 is prevented when the second pawl 76 engages one of the teeth 82 as shown. A helical spring 85 surrounding a projection 86 on pawl 76 bears against a portion of the casing 12 to bias the pawl latch member 84 in normally latching relationship to index wheel 74.

Second pawl 76 has an ear 88 extending from body portion 80 in alignment with the lower ring 33 of transfer spacer 28. When the pawl selector plate 34 is in position to select or actuate the second pawl 76, the car 88 is in surface contact with pawl selector plate 34. Downward movement of the pawl selector plate, when so disposed, urges the ear downward causing the pawl arm 81 and pawl latch member 84 to pivot out of engagement with one of the teeth 82 of index wheel 74 whereby, so long as the pawl is maintained in such position, the index wheel 74 and corresponding array of pin wheels 64 associated with the second pin wheel bank 59 are rotatable on main axle 45. Such movement of the pawl selector plate is accomplished by depression of a finger button 35 located over the flange 25 of wobble plate 16, whereby wobble plate 16 moves transverse spacer 28, which moves pawl selector plate 34. The first pawl 75 is symmetrically mounted on the opposite side of bearing shaft 21 for engagement and disengagement with the first index wheel 72 in the same fashion. As will be presently described, the shift mechanism is operative to move the pawl selector plate into actuating position over either the first or the second pawl whereby when actuating or releasing the selected pawl, the opposite pawl remains in locking engagement with the respective index wheel, preventing rotation of the corresponding pin wheel bank.

Stamp storage means for storing stamps to be dispensed includes a roller 89, as shown in FIG. 3, accommodating a roll 90 of stamps. Roller 89 is centrally attached to casing 12 in a portion of the casing proximate to the pin wheel arrays defining an enlarged cylindrical chamber 92 suitable for storing the stamp roll 90. Roller 89 accommodates a supply of stamps for dispensing in association with the second pin wheel bank 59. Similar stamp storage means are provided proximate the first pin wheel bank (not shown). A linear tape 93 of stamps, as for example, trading stamps, extends from roller 89 to the second pin wheel bank. Stamps of tape 93 are of the type connected to one another by a perforation. The pins 71 on pin wheels 64 are spaced apart on the periphery of the disc 70 a distance corresponding to the distance between perforations on the tape 93. The pins 71 engage theholes of the perforation and, as the pin wheel rotates, advance the tape through the dispensing assembly. Closure means such as discs each having a central hole to engage the end of roller 89 may be provided toclose the chamber 92.

Stamp tape 93 is threaded along the lower circumference of the pin wheel 64, engaging the respective pins 71, extending to a discharge chute 96 defined by an upper tape tray 94 and a lower tape tray 95. The trays 94, 85 are suitably fastened to each other at their sides to define the dispensing chute 96. The upper portions of the trays 94, 85 at the sides thereof are provided with hubs 98 which engage a transverse rod 99 to support the tape trays. The upper ends of the tape trays curve downwardly, as shown, in position to accept stamps advancing from the pin wheel 64 in the chute 96. Chute 96 linearly exits the casing 12. As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of trays 101 define a chute for delivery of stamps from the first stamp supply. The trays 101 are mounted in identical fashion as the trays 94, 95 but may be of differing widths as shown.

A bracket 102 is provided to insure that the stamp tape 93 is properly maintained on the pin wheel 64. Bracket 102 is concave, surrounding the lower portion of the pin wheel 64 and has appropriate arms (not shown) for mounting the bracket on transverse rods 1113 and 104 provided in casing 12. An elongated spring 106 has at one end'a hook 107 engaging the rod 103, and at the opposite end a releasable catch 108 engaging the rod 104. Spring 106 holds the bracket 102 in position and the catch 108 is readily releasable for removal of the bracket as when loading stamps.

Means are provided in association with each index wheel to prevent reverse rotation of the index wheel. Referring to FIG. 4, a second index wheel antireversing latch 110 has an elongated horizontally disposed tubular shaft portion 111 rotatably assembled at one end in a bearing hub 112 located in the side wall 46 of casing 12. The shaft portion 111 extends inwardly to a position over the second index wheel 74. A latch arm 114 extends from the interior end of the shaft 111 making surface contact with the second index wheel 74, as shown in FlG. 5. It may be seen that when, as viewed in FIG. 5, the index wheel rotates in a clockwise direction, the latch arm rides over the teeth 82. However, should the index wheel be urged in a counterclockwise direction, the end of the latch arm engages the side of one of the teeth 82 to prevent such rotation. Adjacent the end of the shaft portion mounted in bearing 112, a finger 115 extends through an opening 116 in the intermediate face 26 of casing 12. Referring to FIG. 12, finger 115 is connected to one end of a spring 118. Spring 118 is in tension and is connected at the opposite end to a peg 119 to bias the latch arm 114 in surface contact with the index wheel 74.

Likewise, referring to FIG. 4, a first index wheel latch 120 has an elongated shaft portion 122 horizontally disposed and rotatably mounted at one end in a bearing 123 provided in side wall 46 of casing 12. Latch 1211 has a latch arm 124 in surface contact with first index wheel 72, as previously described relative to the second index wheel. A finger 126 extends through an opening 127 in the front face 14 of casing 12 adjacent the bearing 123. Referring to FIG. 12, the finger 126 engages a spring 128 in tension. The opposite end of spring 128 is connected to a peg 130 whereby the latch arm 124 is maintained in surface engagement with the first index wheel 72.

Referring to FIG. 12, an anti-reversing pawl 131 is provided to prevent reverse rotation of finger dial 15. Pawl 131 is pivotally mounted as at 132 on the intermediate face 26 of casing 12 in proximity to finger dial 15. Pawl 131 has a head 134 adapted to engage and ride over the finger button casings 38 when the finger dial is rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 12, but operative to fixedly engage a casing 38 if the dial 15 is urged in a counter-clockwise rotation as is known in the art. A spring 133 connected between the pawl 131 and the peg 1311 biases the pawl 131 in engagement with the proximate finger button casing 38 (not shown).

The complete operation of the stamp drive and dispensing assembly may now be described. A finger button 35 is selected according to the number of stamps to be dispensed. For example, assume a clerk wishes to dispense seven trading stamps as an amount represent ing a 70lpurchase, and the shift mechanism is engaged to cause stamps from the second stamp supply to be dispensed, as will yet be described. The finger button 35 on dial 15 adjacent the number 7 is depressed by the clerkfln turn, wobble plate 16 is depressed caus ing longitudinal movement of transverse spacer 28 and pawl selector plate 34. Pawl selector plate 34, as shown in FIG. 6A, pushes the ear 88 of pawl 76 causing pawl arm 81 and latch member 84 to pivot out of engagement with the second index wheel 74. The second pin wheel bank 59 is now released to rotate in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 6A. The clerk rotates the finger dial in a clockwise direction while maintaining the button 35 depressed. Through the gear train of spur and bevel gear 50 and spur gear 47, driven by the bevel gear 54 on index plate 17, main axle 45 is caused to rotate. Clutch means, as will be described, cause rotation of the second pin wheel bank with the main axle 45. As shown in FIG. 6, as the pin wheels 64 rotate, stamps are advanced from the stamp roll 90 and are delivered at the discharge chute 96. When the clerk has rotated the finger button to a position over the detent 27 of flange 25 on wobble plate 16, the cap 42 of the finger button is disengaged from flange 25. The wobble plate, urged by the biasing of the spring 85 against pawl 76 transmitted through pawl selector plate 34 and spacer 28, returns to its normal position. Second pawl 76 returns to a position of locking engagement relative to second index wheel 74, and further stamps are not dispensed. The cap 42 of button 35 reaches the detent 27 only after traveling through an arc defined between the numbers 7 through 1 on the shoulder 37 adjacent dial 15. The various gears in the gear train are synchronized and sized, as is well known in the art, whereby upon rotation through said are, seven stamps are delivered.

SHIFT ASSEMBLY The stamp dispensing machine of the invention is equipped with a shift assembly operative to cause stamps to be selectively delivered from either the first stamp supply or the second stamp supply. In the preferred embodiment, stamps are normally delivered from the first stamp supply unless the shift mechanism is actuated or engaged. If the shift mechanism is engaged, stamps are delivered from the second stamp supply and, upon completion of the delivery of the stamps, the shift mechanism is automatically disengaged whereby the next stamps will be delivered from the first stamp supply unless the shift mechanism is again engaged. For example, the first stamp supply may contain trading stamps of a denomination given in response to each dollar unit of a purchase, while the second stamp supply contains trading stamps given in response to units of a purchase. In response to a purchase totaling $5.60, the clerk wouldgive urebusfiriii' five stamps from a first supply and six stamps from a s PP! The rk. Wsm d ial 911 2 @595. dial and five stamps from the first supply would be delivered as previously indicated. The clerk then engages the shift mechanism and dials 6 whereby six stamps 40 from the second supply are delivered. Upon delivery of the six stamps from the second supply, the shift mechanism is automatically disengaged and the machine is operative to deliver stamps from the first supply once again. The stamps of the first supply may either be larger denomination stamps or sheets consisting of a plurality of stamps of a smaller denomination as those contained in the second stamp supply.

The shift assembly includes the cooperating subassemblies of: (1) shift actuating means adapted to position the pawl selector plate in operative relationship to the second pawl and position a drive clutch means in operative relationship to the second pin wheel bank; and (2) shift release means operative to automatically release the pawl selector plate from an operative position over the second pawl to one over the first pawl and move the clutch means back into normal engagement with the first pin wheel bank.

Pawl selector plate 34, as shown in FIG. 4, is generally cam shaped and is mounted for rotation about tubular member 20 of finger dial 15 adjacent the lower ring 33 of movement transfer spacer 28. Selector plate 34 functions as a shim or spacer in the actuation of either the first pawl 75 or the second pawl 76, depending on the position of the plate 34, to unlatch the corresponding index wheel. Pawl selector plate 34 is generally circular, having an arcuate recess or cutout, indicated at 135, extending approximately l around the periphery of plate 34. As shown, the recess may be defined as extending from a ledge 136 about the periphery of plate 34 to a radially outwardly extended shoulder 138. In the position shown in FIG. 4, the pawl selector is positioned over the first pawl 75 whereby upon depression of a finger button 35 the edge of the pawl selector will engage the ear of the first pawl 75 and pivot it about a point 139 to a position out of engagement with the first index wheel 72, as previously described relative to the second pawl 76. The first pin wheel bank 58 is then free to rotate about the main axle 45. The ear 88 of the second pawl 76 is positioned over the recess 135, out of contact with the selector plate 34. Upon depression of a finger button 35, second pawl 76 remains in latching engagement with the second index wheel 74. The shift assembly is operative to rotate the selector plate 34 to a position as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A. An edge of the selector plate 34 is disposed over the second pawl 76 whereby upon depression ofa finger button, selector plate 34, pushing on the ear 88, pivots the second pawl out of locking engagement with the second index wheel 74, as shown in FIG. 6A and previously described. The first pawl 75 is located under the recess 135, and is thus unaffected, maintaining locking engagement with the first index wheel 72. A helical spring 140 disposed between the shoulder 138 of the plate 34 and a peg 142 located on casing 12 is effective to bias the selector plate in a position for engagement with the first pawl 75.

Clutch means located on the main axle 45 are operable to transfer manual drive or power to either the first or second pin wheel bank in order to rotate the selected pin wheel bank with the main axle. As shown in FIG. 4, a clutch member or shift collar 143 is mounted on main axle 45 between the first index wheel 72 and the second index wheel 74. Shift collar 143 is axially slidable on main axle 45 and is internally keyed by conventional means (not shown) to rotate with main axle 45. Coupling means are provided for.coupling the shift collar 143 with either index wheel. Shift collar 143 has a tubular center section 144 disposed between a pair of annular rings 146, 147. Each of the rings 146, 147 has a pair of diametrically opposed axially directed projections or fingers 149, 150, respectively. First index wheel 72 has a central hub 151 provided with a plurality of angularly spaced axially directed holes 153 purposefully orientated in pairs to receive the fingers 149 on ring 146 of shift collar 143. The holes 153 are in radial alignment with the teeth 82 on the first index wheel 72. As shown in FIG. 4, fingers 149 are adapted to engage the holes 153 to form a coupling between the shift collar 143 and the first pin wheel drive 58 whereby the first pin wheel drive is rotatable with the shift collar 143 on main axle 45.

Second index wheel 74 likewise has central hub 154 provided with a plurality of holes 155 symmetrical to those of the first index wheel 72. As shown in FIG. 6, shift collar 143 is slidable on main axle 45 to a position of coupling engagement with the second index wheel 74. The shift mechanism is operative to simultaneously shift the collar 143 into engagement with the second index wheel 74 as the pawl selector plate 34 is rotated into operative position over the second pawl 76.

Shift actuating means includes a shift actuating button 157 connected to a shift button shaft 158 as shown in FIG. 5. Shift button 157 is centrally disposed in a re- 9 cess 159 provided in the center of finger dial 15. Shift shaft 158 is coaxially orientated in dial axle tube 19, adapted to move axially back and forth therein. A cable anchor 161 is fastened to the end of shift shaft 158 projecting out of the lower end of bearing shaft 21. One end of a cable 162 is anchored to cable anchor 161.

A shift bracket or tilting bracket 163 is generally archshaped, having a pair of legs 165, 166, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, straddling the center portion 144 of shift collar 143. Interior bracket leg 165 and outer leg 166 join at a shoulder 167 above shift collar 143. A neck 168 extends upward therefrom, as shown in FIG. 7, and a horizontal head 169 extends from neck 168 in the direction of second index wheel 74. Referring to FIG. 4, each bracket leg 165, 166 has a lower foot 170 accommodated in a channel 171 provided in the casing. 12 whereby the bracket may pivot about the feet 170.

Tilting bracket 163 functions to shift the shift collar 143 into and out of engagement with the second index wheel 74 and to normally bias the shift collar in engagement with the first index wheel 72. The outer leg 166 of tilting bracket 163 has a first boss 173 horizontally orientated for surface engagement with the adjacent surface of a first ring 146 of shift collar 143; and a second boss 174 horizontally oriented on the opposite side of the leg 166 for surface engagement with the adjacent surface of a second ring 147 of shift collar 143. Bias means are provided which maintain the first boss in surface contact with the first ring 146 to maintain the shift collar 143 in engagement with the first index wheel 72. An elongated bolt 175 has a shank 177 passing through an upright wall of casing 12 and through the lower portion of the outer leg 166. A helical compression spring 178 is disposed about the end of the shank 177 projecting through the leg 166, bearing against the leg 166 and a nut 179 threaded on the end of the bolt 175. The interior leg 165 of tilting bracket 163 is identically provided with a pair of bosses adapted to make surface engagement with the adjacent surfaces of the first ring 146 and second ring 147 of shift collar 143, as well as with identical biasing means (not shown). When the bracket 163 is tilted, or pivoted about the feet 170 in the channel 17.1, the second bosses 174 on legs 165 and 166 bear against the adjacent surface of the second ring 147 of shift collar 143 to bias the shift collar in engagement with the second index wheel 74, as shown in FIG. 6.

Pulley means constituted as a plurality of pulleys are provided to link the cable 162 between shift shaft 158 and the shoulder 167 of tilting bracket 163. Cable 162, extending from cable anchor 161, is trained over a first pulley, indicated in phantom at 181 in FIG. 7, rotatably mounted on the exterior of bearing shaft21 in conven tional fashion. Cable 162 extends from the first pulley 181 to and is trained about a second pulley 182 and thence to a third pulley 183, as shown best in FIG. 4. Second and third pulleys 182, 183 are also suitably and conventionally mounted for rotation on portions of the casing 12. The third pulley 183 is located proximate to the shoulder 167 of tilting bracket 163 on the same side of tilting bracket 163 as the second index wheel 74. The cable162 extends from the third pulley 183 to the shoulder 167 of tilting bracket 163 where it is securely fa'stenedby suitable means as shown at 185. It may be seen that depression of the shift button 157 and the corresponding axial movement of the shift shaft 158 exerts a pull on the cable 162. The cable 162 pulls the shoulder 167 of tilting bracket 163, pivoting it about the feet 170 The second bosses 174 bearing upon the second ring 147 push the shift collar into engagement with the second index wheel 74, as shown in FIG. 6. Releasable latch means, as will be described, are provided to releasably hold the tilting bracket 163 in the position shown in FIGI 6 against the bias of the springs 178.

As shown in FIG. 7, the tubular shaft portion 111 of the second index wheel anti-reversing latch is hollow. A rod 186 is centrally and coaxially located in the tubular shaft section 111 and is rotatable therein independent of rotation of anti-reversing latch 110. An end of rod 186 extends outward of the latch 110. A tubular shaft section 188 of a tilting bracket latch 189 frictionally engages the outwardly projecting end of the rod 186, abutting the end of anti-reversing latch 110. The end of the rod 186 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs 190, frictionally engaging the interior walls of the tubular section 188 whereby the tilting bracket latch 189 is rotatable with the rod 186.

A tilting bracket latch arm 192 extends radially outward from shaft section 188 of tilting bracket latch 189. The end of latch arm 192 is in surface engagement with the head 169 of tilting bracket latch 163 when the tilting bracket latch is in the normal position shown in FIG. 4 with the shift collar 143 engaging the first index wheel 72. A finger 193, located proximate to the exterior end of rod 186, is attached to the rod 186 and extends outward through an opening 194 provided in shaft portion 111 and through an opening 196 in the intermediate face 26 of casing 12. As shown in FIG. 2, finger 193 extends through a linear link 197.located on the opposite side of the intermediate face of casing 12, whereby longitudinal movement of link 197 effects rotation of rod 186 and thus tilting bracket latch 189. A tension spring 198 fastened between a peg 199 located on the end of link 197, and the peg 24 biases the tilting bracket latch arm 192 in surface contact with the top of head 169 of the tilting bracket 163.

- Pawl selector plate 34, as shown in FIGS. 3 through 6, has a downwardly extended lever 201. Movement of the lever 201 effects rotation of the pawl selector plate 34. The end of lever 201 is in surface contact with the end of head 169, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, and is biased in such position by thetension spring connected to the shoulder 138 of pawl selector plate 34.

The operation of the shift mechanism may now be described with reference to FIGS. 8 through 11. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the shift mechanism is in a nor' mal position, the shift collar being engaged with the first index wheel 72 and the pawl selector plate 34 in operative position over the first pawl 75. The tilting bracket latch arm 192 is in surface engagement with the top of the head 169 of tilting bracket 163, biased in such position by the spring 198 acting upon the link 197 and the finger 193. The spring 198 is in tension. The end of head 169 is in surface contact with the end of the lever 201 of the pawl selector plate 34. The stamp stamd dispensing machine 10 is operable to dis pense stamps from the first stamp supply as previously described. In order to actuate the shift mechanism, the operator pushes the shift button 157 on the front face of the machine. The cable 162 is pulled by the axial downward movement of shift shaft 158. Cable 162 pulls the upper portion of the tilting bracket 163 causing it to pivot about the feet and assume a tilted orientation as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. As previously described, the tilting bracket moves the shift collar out of engagement with the first index wheel 72 and into engagement with the second index wheel 74. As the tilting bracket 163 is pivoted, the head 169 moves out from under the tilting bracket latch arm 192. Under the bias of the tension spring 198, the latch arm 192 moves down to a position behind the head 169 in surface contact with the neck 168 of the tilting bracket 163. The bracket 163 is thus latched in the tilted orientation. As the bracket 163 pivots, the head 169 moves the lever 201 of the pawl selector plate 34. The pawl selector plate 34 rotates from an actuating position over the first pawl 75 into an actuating position over the second pawl 76, as previously described. With the shift mechanism so engaged, as shown in FIGS. and 11, the stamp dispensing machine is operative to dispense stamps from the second stamp supply until the shift mechanism is disengaged.

Shift release means are operable to disengage the shift mechanism by effecting the return of tilting bracket latch arm 192 to the disengaged position as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, whereby bias springs 178 return the tilting bracket 163 and shift collar 143 to the disengaged position, the shift collar 143 engaging the first index wheel 72; and the bias spring 140 returns the pawl selector plate 34 to a position in actuating relationship to the first pawl 75.

Referring to FIG. 12, a slide shift release actuator 202 is located on the intermediate face 26 of casing 12 in proximity to the detent 27 of flange 25 on wobble plate 16. Actuator 202 is provided with an elongated horizontal slot 203 engaging a peg 205 provided on the casing 12. Actuator 202 is adapted to slide back and forth in a horizontal direction relative to the peg 205. A raised ridge 207 on the intermediate face 26 of casing 12 adjacent the edge of actuator 202 maintains the actuator in horizontal alignment. Actuator 202 has a single raised tooth 209 extending outward from the intermediate face 26 of casing 12 into the vicinity of the detent 27 in circumferential alignment with the flange 25. A peg 210 on actuator 202 engages one end of a tension spring 211. The opposite end of the spring 211 engages a peg 212 located on one arm 215 of a bell crank 214. Bell crank 214 is pivotally mounted to the intermediate face 26 of casing 12, as at 216, and has a second arm 218 pivotally connected to the link 197. Bell crank 214 is orientated such that rotation about the pivot 216 is translated into lateral movement of the link 197. Movement of actuator 202 from right to left, as viewed in FIG. 12, will result in downward movement of the link 197 through bell crank 214 and spring 211. Downward movement of the link 197 urges rotation of the finger 193 on rod 186, effecting rotation of the tilting bracket latch arm 192 from a position as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 to a position as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The operation of the shift release mechanism may now be described. Assuming the shift mechanism is engaged as shown in FIGS. 6, 10 and 11, the operator manipulates the finger dial 15 as previously described in order to dispense a selected number of stamps from the second stamp supply. When the selected finger button reaches the detent 27, it is disengaged from the flange 25 and the wobble plate 16 returns to its normal position. As the operator continues to rotate the finger dial with the button 35 depressed, the cap 42 of the button contacts the leading edge of tooth 209 on actuator 202, urging it in a direction from left to right as viewed in FIG. 12. The motion of the actuator 202 is operative to move the tilting bracket latch arm 192 into a disengaged position relative to the head 169 of tilting bracket 163 whereby the tilting bracket 163, shift collar 143, and paw] selector plate 34 all move back to a disengaged position. The stamp dispensing machine 10 is then set to dispense stamps from the first stamp supply once again.

While it is contemplated that the preferred embodiment of the dispensing machine shown and described will find application in dispensing trading stamps, it is understood that the machine is adaptable for use in other dispensing functions. For example, the machine could contain two supplies of tape of varying grades or sizes for use in sealing packages and the like. Those skilled in the art will recognize other such applications of the present invention.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A dispensing machine adapted to selectively dispense stamps of a first stamp supply tape and stamps of a second stamp supply tape for delivery at a stamp dispensing station on said machine, including:

stamp storage means for storing a first supply tape of stamps and a second supply tape of stamps;

axle means;

drive means adapted to rotate said axle means;

first drive wheel means rotatably mounted on said axle means adapted to linearly draw stamps from said first supply of stamps for delivery to said dispensing station;

second drive wheel means rotatably mounted on said axle means adapted to linearly draw stamps from said second supply of stamps for delivery to said dispensing station;

clutch means mounted on said axle means and rotatable with said axle means;

said clutch means movable between a first position in engagement with the first drive wheel means whereby said first drive wheel means is caused to rotate on said axle means with said clutch means, and a second position in engagement with said second drive wheel means whereby said second drive wheel means is caused to rotate on said axle means with said clutch means;

means to prevent rotation of one drive wheel means while the other is in engagement with said clutch means; and

shift means adapted to selectively shift said clutch means between engagement with said first drive wheel means and said second drive wheel means.

2. The dispensing machine of claim 1 wherein: said first drive wheel means includes a first array of drive wheels rotatably mounted on said axle means, said second drive wheel means includes a second array of drive wheels rotatably mounted on said axle means; and said clutch means being selectively engageable with said first array of drive wheels and said second array of drive wheels, said shift means being adapted to selectively shift said clutch means between engagement with said first array of drive wheels and said second array of drive wheels.

3. The dispensing machine of claim 2 wherein said machine is adapted to dispense a tape of stamps of the type wherein stamps are connected by. perforations, wherein said first array of drive wheels includes pin wheels having pins adapted to engage said perforations connecting the stamps; and said second array of drive wheels includes pin wheels adapted to engage the perforations connecting said stamps.

4. The dispensing machine of claim 3 wherein: said drive means are manual drive means including finger dial means and means associated between the finger dial means and the axle means whereby rotation of finger dial means through a preselected arc causes rotation of the axle means and one of the drive wheel means to dispense a preselected amount ,of stamps.

5. The dispensing machine of claim 1 whereinrfirst drive wheel means includes a first pin wheel bank having a first index wheel; second drive wheel means includes a second pin wheel bank having a second index wheel; said clutch means includes collar means movable on said axle means between a position in engage-- ment with the first index wheel for rotation of the first pin wheel bank with said axle means, and a position in clutch means operable to move the clutch means on the axle means between said first position and said second position, and shift actuator means operable to move said shift bracket.

12. The dispensing machine of claim 11 including: shift bracket bias means normally biasing said shift bracket to hold said clutch means in the first position; said shift actuator means operable to move said shift bracket whereby the shift bracket moves said clutch means from the first position to the second position; a shift bracket latch automatically engageable with the shift bracket when the shift bracket moves the clutch means to a second position; shift release means operable to automatically release the shift bracket latch from engagement with the shift bracket after a preselected number of stamps have been delivered by the second drive wheel means from the second stamp supply whereby the shift bracket bias means causes the shift bracket to return the clutch means to the first position.

engagement with said second index wheel for rotation of the second pin wheel bank with said axle means; and shift means adapted to shift said collar means between engagement with said first index wheel and said second index wheel.

6. The dispensing machine of claim 5 wherein said drive means are manual drive means including finger dial means and means associated between the finger dial means and the axle means whereby rotation of the finger dial means through a preselected arc rotates said axle means and a pin wheel bank to dispense a preselected amount of stamps.

7. The dispensing machine of claim 6 wherein: means associated'between the finger dial means and the axle means include gear means.

8. The dispensing machine of claim 1 wherein: drive meansincludes rotatable dial means; means associated between said dial means and said axle means whereby rotation of said dial means causes rotation of said axle means; said clutch means normally disposed in said first position; said shift means operable to shift said clutch means from said first position to said second position and automatically return said clutch means to said first position upon completion of delivery of stamps by said second drive wheel means from said second stamp sup- 9. The dispensing machine of claim 1 wherein: said drive means are manual drive means including rotatable finger dial means and means associated between the finger dial means and the axle means for rotation of the axle means upon rotation of the finger dial means whereby rotation of the finger dial means through a preslected arc causes rotation of the axle means and one of the drive wheel means to dispense a preselected number of stamps from a stamp supply.

10. The dispensing machine of claim 9 wherein: means associated between the finger dial means and the axle means include gear means.

11. The dispensing machine of claim 9 wherein: shift means includes a shift bracket engageable with said 13. The dispensing machine of claim 12 wherein: a first index wheel is associated with the first drive wheel means; a second index wheel is associated with the second drive wheel means; said clutch means including collar means movable between a first position in engagement with the first index wheel and a second position in engagement with the second index wheel.

14. The dispensing machine of claim 13 wherein means to prevent rotation of one drive wheel means while the other is in engagement with said clutch means includes: a first pawl in latching engagement with said first'index wheel to prevent rotation of the first drive wheel means on the axle means; a second pawl in latching engagement with said second index wheel to pre vent rotation of the second drive wheel means on the axle means; and pawl release means adapted to disengage the first pawl from the first index wheel when the clutch means isin the first position, and the second pawl from the second index wheel when the clutch means is in the second position.

15. A tape dispensing machine for dispensing tape selectively from a first tape supply and a second tape supply, including: storage means for a first tape and a second tape, a dispensing station for said first tape and for said second tape; first dispensing means for delivering said first tape from said storage means to said dispensing station; second dispensing means for delivering said second tape from said storage means to said dispensing station; drive means for actuating the dispensing means; clutch means for selectively mutually exclusively operably associating said drive means with said first dispensing means and said second dispensing means, said clutch means movable between a first position in engagement with the first dispensing means to actuate the first dispensing means for delivery of tape from said first tape supply, and a second position in engagement with the second dispensing means to actuate the second dispensing means for delivery of tape from said second tape supply; and shift means adapted to se lectively shift said clutch means between engagement with said first dispensing means and said second dispensing means.

v s31? ewfim @ER'EWECAEE ()1? C .FLEC'EIQN patent No. 3,797,697 N a Date d MarCh lQQ 1974 Inventofls) EWald A; AID.

It is cer'cified that errm: in "the above-identified patent Column 1, line 1.2 after'fif)", insert Column 5, line 38 shb uld be Column 5 line 40," "35" sho ld be --9s-,-..

(301mm 9, lin'ZS, "oriented" should be -orientated",

"01111221"; linen after insert Calumn 10 iine" afcef "svtam bfy omit "stamdfl Signed andi sealed this 10th aay of September 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY 1y. GIBQN,. JR.-

.' I v I c. MARSHALL- DANN Attes'clng Orrlcer v Commissioner of Patents 

1. A dispensing machine adapted to selectively dispense stamps of a first stamp supply tape and stamps of a second stamp supply tape for delivery at a stamp dispensing station on said machine, including: stamp storage means for storing a first supply tape of stamps and a second supply tape of stamps; axle means; drive means adapted to rotate said axle means; first drive wheel means rotatably mounted on said axle means adapted to linearly draw stamps from said first supply of stamps for delivery to said dispensing station; second drive wheel means rotatably mounted on said axle means adapted to linearly draw stamps from said second supply of stamps for delivery to said dispensing station; clutch means mounted on said axle means and rotatable with said axle means; said clutch means movable between a first position in engagement with the first drive wheel means whereby said first drive wheel means is caused to rotate on said axle means with said clutch means, and a second position in engagement with said second drive wheel means whereby said second drive wheel means is caused to rotate on said axle means with said clutch means; means to prevent rotation of one drive wheel means while the other is in engagement with said clutch means; and shift means adapted to selectively shift said clutch means between engagement with said first drive wheel means and said second drive wheel means.
 2. The dispensing machine of claim 1 wherein: said first drive wheel means includes a first array of drive wheels rotatably mounted on said axle means, said second drive wheel means includes a second array of drive wheels rotatably mounted on said axle means; and said clutch means being selectively engageable with said first array of drive wheels and said second array of drive wheels, said shift means being adapted to selectively shift said clutch means between engagement with said first array of drive wheels and said second array of drive wheels.
 3. The dispensing machine of claim 2 wherein said machine is adapted to dispense a tape of stamps of the type wherein stamps are connected by perforations, wherein said first array of drive wheels includes pin wheels having pins adapted to engage said perforations connecting the stamps; and said second array of drive wheels includes pin wheels adapted to engage the perforations connecting said stamps.
 4. The dispensing machine of claim 3 wherein: said drive means are manual drive means including finger dial means and means associated between the finger dial means and the axle means whereby rotation of finger dial means through a preselected arc causes rotation of the axle means and one of the drive wheel means to dispense a preselected amount of stamps.
 5. The dispensing machine of claim 1 wherein: first drive wheel means includes a first pin wheel bank having a first index wheel; second drive wheel means includes a second pin wheel bank having a second index wheel; said clutch means includes collar means movable on said axle means between a position in engagement with the first index wheel for rotation of the first pin wheel bank with said axle means, and a position in engagement with said second index wheel for rotation of the second pin wheel bank with said axle means; and shift means adapted to shift said collar means between engagement with said first index wheel and said second index wheel.
 6. The dispensing machine of claim 5 wherein said drive means are manual drive means including finger dial means and means associated between the finger dial means and the axle means whereby rotation of the finger dial means through a preselected arc rotates said axle means and a pin wheel bank to dispense a preselected amount of stamps.
 7. The dispensing machine of claim 6 wherein: means associated between the finger dial means and the axle means include gear means.
 8. The dispensing machine of claim 1 wherein: drive means includes rotatable dial means; means associated between said dial means and said axle means whereby rotation of said dial means causes rotation of said axle means; said clutch means normally disposed in said first position; said shift means operable to shift said clutch means from said first position to said second position and automatically return said clutch means to said first position upon completion of delivery of stamps by said second drive wheel means from said second stamp supply.
 9. The dispensing machine of claim 1 wherein: said drive means are manual drive means including rotatable finger dial means and means associated between the finger dial means and the axle means for rotation of the axle means upon rotation of the finger dial means whereby rotation of the finger dial means through a preslected arc causes rotation of the axle means and one of the drive wheel means to dispense a preselected number of stamps from a stamp supply.
 10. The dispensing machine of claim 9 wherein: means associated between the finger dial means and the axle means include gear means.
 11. The dispensing machine of claim 9 wherein: shift means includes a shift bracket engageable with said clutch means operable to move the clutch means on the axle means between said first position and said second position, and shift actuator means operable to move said shift bracket.
 12. The dispensing machine of claim 11 including: shift bracket bias means normally biasing said shift bracket to hold said clutch means in the first position; said shift actuator means operable to move said shift bracket whereby the shift bracket moves said clutch means from the first position to the second position; a shift bracket latch automatically engageable with the shift bracket when the shift bracket moves the clutch means to a second position; shift release means operable to automatically release the shift bracket latch from engagement with the shift bracket after a preselected number of stamps have been delivered by the second drive wheel means from the second stamp supply whereby the shift bracket bias means causes the shift bracket to return the clutch means to the first position.
 13. The dispensing machine of claim 12 wherein: a first index wheel is associated with the first drive wheel means; a second index wheel is associated with the second drive wheel means; said clutch means including collar means movable between a first position in engagement with the first index wheel and a second position in engagement with the second index wheel.
 14. The dispensing machine of claim 13 wherein means to prevent rotation of one drive wheel means while the other is in engagement with said clutch means includes: a first pawl in latching engagement with said first index wheel to prevent rotation of the first drive wheel means on the axle means; a second pawl in latching engagement with said second index wheel to prevent rotation of the second drive wheel means on the axle means; and pawl release means adapted to disengage the first pawl from the first index wheel when the clutch means is in the first position, and the second pawl from the second index wheel when the clutch means is in the second position.
 15. A tape dispensing machine for dispensing tape selectively from a first tape supply and a second tape supply, including: storage means for a first tape and a second tape, a dispensing station for said first tape and for said second tape; first dispensing means for delivering said first tape from said storage mEans to said dispensing station; second dispensing means for delivering said second tape from said storage means to said dispensing station; drive means for actuating the dispensing means; clutch means for selectively mutually exclusively operably associating said drive means with said first dispensing means and said second dispensing means, said clutch means movable between a first position in engagement with the first dispensing means to actuate the first dispensing means for delivery of tape from said first tape supply, and a second position in engagement with the second dispensing means to actuate the second dispensing means for delivery of tape from said second tape supply; and shift means adapted to selectively shift said clutch means between engagement with said first dispensing means and said second dispensing means. 